U.S. patent application number 15/054136 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-15 for autonomous vehicle seating system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Carla Gillett. The applicant listed for this patent is Carla Gillett. Invention is credited to Carla Gillett.
Application Number | 20160264021 15/054136 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44224046 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160264021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gillett; Carla |
September 15, 2016 |
Autonomous Vehicle Seating System
Abstract
An autonomous vehicle utilizing seating system to assist the
vehicle driver when operating a vehicle in either autonomous drive
mode or in manual drive mode, the system for this process is an
autonomous driving computer system comprising input and output
protocol data to assess the status of the vehicle's environment.
Accordingly the seating control system manages the user seating
unit the seat unit comprises at least one adjustable arm to
reattach and reposition a frame containing an air bag and method
for a power control system to charge control console devices such
as a smart cellphone utilizing telecommunication network systems
and operating instruments comprising methodologies to monitor and
to navigate the vehicle during the manual and autonomous driving
process.
Inventors: |
Gillett; Carla; (Sacramento,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gillett; Carla |
Sacramento |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Gillett; Carla
Sacramento
CA
|
Family ID: |
44224046 |
Appl. No.: |
15/054136 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12655569 |
Jan 4, 2010 |
8430192 |
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15054136 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 2370/77 20190501;
B60Y 2200/12 20130101; H04M 1/7253 20130101; B60K 2007/0092
20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101; B60K 7/0007 20130101; B60L 50/66
20190201; Y02T 10/7083 20130101; B60N 2002/024 20130101; B60L
2200/12 20130101; B60L 2200/26 20130101; B60N 2/0232 20130101; Y02T
10/7072 20130101; B60L 2220/44 20130101; H04M 1/72533 20130101;
B60Y 2200/145 20130101; B60K 2001/0444 20130101; B60Y 2200/148
20130101; Y02T 10/90 20130101; B60K 37/06 20130101; B60K 17/30
20130101; B60L 8/00 20130101; Y02T 10/7005 20130101; B60L 2200/28
20130101; B60W 50/082 20130101; F03D 9/25 20160501; B60L 8/003
20130101; Y02T 10/705 20130101; B60K 1/04 20130101; B60K 2007/0038
20130101; B60L 8/006 20130101; B60Y 2200/81 20130101; B60K 17/356
20130101; B60K 2016/006 20130101; B60N 2/14 20130101; B60K
2001/0416 20130101; B60Y 2200/91 20130101; G05D 1/0088 20130101;
B60L 2250/16 20130101; B60Y 2200/45 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/02 20060101
B60N002/02; H04M 1/725 20060101 H04M001/725; B60W 50/08 20060101
B60W050/08; B60N 2/14 20060101 B60N002/14; G05D 1/00 20060101
G05D001/00 |
Claims
1. An autonomous vehicle system comprising: an autonomous driving
computer system, various seating control system (23-28) to control
a user 29/30 seat unit, seat unit is comprising at least one
adjustable arm supporting one dash panel (7), a control console
device (8) thus comprising input and output control devices
including; a touch screen monitor including various user operating
gauges, and a cell phone system comprising wireless
telecommunication voice control to monitor and navigate the vehicle
during autonomous driving process, and a radio device having
transmission communication including signaling and receiving
methods, a seat unit control system comprising telecommunication
network system methodologies, a power control system, a device
charging port, and USB power ports with cable, plugs and
connections.
2. A vehicle system comprising a frame and chassis type including a
cab compartment including a floorboard system supporting at least
one seating unit to reposition in lateral directions.
3. The autonomous driving computer system of claim 1 further
comprising: the following processes and control modes; an
autonomous drive mode comprising: a process to switch a vehicle
navigation control system from an autonomous drive mode to a manual
drive mode by a drive logic computer and processor system
comprising: input and output protocol data to assess; the status of
the vehicle's environment; the vehicle, and systems of the vehicle,
and sense a driver while sitting in a seating unit system; a method
generating, based on a potential problem or driving mishap, a set
of tasks in an ordered sequence repositioning and determining the
driver seat unit is facing a forward position, and a method
identifying a set of driving conditions from a plurality of driving
conditions based on one or more of the assessments, wherein each of
the plurality of driving conditions is associated with a task that
may be performed by a driver to change the seating unit position in
order to drive vehicle facing forward when seated.
4. The autonomous vehicle system of claim 1, comprising process
steps to switch from autonomous drive mode to manual drive mode
steps including; select autonomous drive model system to plot
course; automatically correct vehicle course upon sensing potential
problem; switch to manual drive mode; reposition driver seating
unit (13D) to forward direction for manual control of vehicle
operation.
5. The autonomous vehicle system of claim 1 further comprising: an
automatic drive logic mode to sense position of the driver seating
unit (13D) and to sense position of the passenger seating unit
(13P) when seated.
6. The autonomous driving computer system of claim 3 comprising
various processes to navigate a vehicle including; an autonomous
drive mode, a manual drive mode and drive logic mode which
communicates data and receives data from various processors within
the vehicle navigational mode to control the autonomous vehicle
driving process; a panel 7 including a steering wheel to control
the autonomous vehicle steering process; a smart cell phone device
to control the autonomous vehicle driving process, the cell phone
device comprising a monitor with touch screen and digital display
controller buttons, toggles and gauges, MEMS, and gyroscope scheme;
a detachable hand held remote controller device to control the
autonomous vehicle driving process, the detachable remote
controller device comprising a monitor with touch screen and
display controller buttons, toggles and gauges; a floorboard system
comprises a motor device and USB and power cables 18, and other
mechanical methods which may utilize hydraulic system with fuel
lines, the floorboard system to glide on a rail system to
reposition seating unit and to move user in both circular and
lateral positions (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3).
7. The seating control system of claim 1, the seat unit 13 whereon
comprising one or two arm apparatus.
8. The arm apparatus of claim 7 further comprising: one or more arm
apparatus having a jointed axis which pivots in various positions
as depicted by arrows and is employed for reattaching the
panel.
9. The arm apparatus of claim 8 comprising at least one adjusting
lever device (15), the level allowing the user or the passengers to
adjust the angle of the panel and to extend the panel outward and
retract the panel inward and remove the panel from the arm end.
10. The seat unit of claim 1 is coupled to the arm apparatus and is
comprising at least one positioning angle to move said arm
apparatus up and down and to preferred level and height for
accommodating user lap position.
11. The steering wheel device of claim 1 comprising a method to be
situated center of the panel 7 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 7B).
12. The autonomous drive mode of claim 3, including various system
methodologies comprising: a method including a variety of
autonomous and manual drive communication devices, a method
including input and output devices transmitting data to various
processors within the vehicle navigational control system
comprising: a method including the vehicle navigation system to
include a manual drive control for a steering wheel device (e.g.,
as shown by arrows in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 6); a method including a
drive logic navigation control system comprising an ON/OFF switch
allowing the autonomous drive mode of navigation control to change
to the manual drive mode of navigation control; a manual drive mode
authorizing vehicle driver to drive when a mishap issue develops
automatic drive logic seating unit navigation system to sense
position of the driver.
13. The seating unit (13) of claim 1 and claim 5 is further
comprising a method of control to adjust the seating unit's lateral
position via a panning cog motor 16 device to reposition in a
preferred rotational direction.
14. The vehicle compartment of claim 1 further comprising a rail
device for positioning one or more user seat units in lateral
arrangements for one or more seat groupings arrangements include
facing and opposing ways and other seating unit orientations.
15. A vehicle power control system of claim 1 comprising
methodologies to systematically maintain a constant charge to a
primary vehicle battery, and also to systematically maintain a
constant power supply to the vehicle seating units to power the
input and output devices, motors, and to power to charge connected
devices.
16. The autonomous vehicle seating system comprising: a power
control system comprising methodologies for the seating control
system to charge user devices, the power control system comprising
a charging system to at least one charging USB charging port to
plug in user device's battery, and to include a charging port
system, wherein comprising: a profile sensor configured to detect
information relating to the identity of power-consuming device to
which the charging device (not shown) is connected; at least one
USB charging port is configured to receive an identity protocol for
connectivity of the charging device contained inside the panel is
not shown, and upon charging the user device when plugged into a
charge port situated the control console device, and the USB
charging port device is configured to receive an identity of the
power-consuming device via a USB power cable connection, charging
device (not shown) is comprising a main power adaptor or a AC-DC
converter (not shown).
17. The seating system control console device of claim 16
comprising thereon: a method for user to fasten and dock various
devices onto the console surface, a method to charge a user device
when connected to the USB power charging port, a method for user to
employ other input and output devices and interactive devices which
affix to the panel.
18. The power control system of claim 16 further comprising a USB
power port for attaching a device to become connected to be charged
by a system to control a charging device (not shown).
19. The control console device (8) of claim 1 further comprising a
method to affix numerous user input device onto the panel 7 by a
manufacturer using a preferred fabrication method and by using
preferred assembly materials.
20. The vehicle system of claim 1 further comprising
telecommunication network system methodologies which include a
telecommunication 209 system and user devices such as a smart cell
phone network 214 to transmit and present information to a digital
monitor display of the control console device which also is
including short range communication protocols.
Description
CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] A notice of issuance for divisional patent application Ser.
No. 12/655,569, file date Jan. 4, 2010, Publication number:
US20110162896 A1, titled: A Mode of Transportation Type Having
Inner Motorized Omniwheel Apparatus and Method of Control". This
application is also in reference to and related to; Publication
number: U.S. Pat. No. 8,430,192 B2, on Apr. 30, 2013, titled:
Robotic Omniwheel Vehicle, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Non Applicable
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCING LISTING, TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM CD
[0003] Non Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This disclosure relates to an autonomous vehicle comprising
a repositioning seating system utilizing a re-attachable computer
control console including interactive input and output devices to
position the vehicle driver in forward direction when switching
from autonomous drive mode to manual drive mode to navigate, and
also an autonomous drive computing system utilizing drive modes,
perception sensors, lidar and radar systems, GPS, etc., and
wireless telecommunication network system, MEMS cell phone
navigation, remote controller devices, and the like to drive
vehicle type through an environment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Improvements to autonomous vehicles are necessary as the
level of transport sophistication increases more comfortable
seating unit is required by the user and passengers therefore what
the present seating system provides is an improved control console
device comprising an expanded set of user device options
accordingly, user seating units reposition in various ways and each
seat unit automatically rotates in panoramic positions for ultimate
viewing and comfort, and to initially reposition the seated vehicle
driver in forward direction when switching from autonomous drive
mode to manual drive mode to navigate the vehicle via an autonomous
drive computing system to assist the vehicle driver when operating
a vehicle in either autonomous drive mode or manual drive modes the
process system comprising input and output protocol data to assess
the status of the vehicle's environment devices including wireless
telecommunication network system, MEMS cell phone navigation,
remote controller devices, and the like to achieve driving process.
The user seating unit comprises at least one adjustable arm to
reattach and reposition frame containing an air bag, a power
control system to charge user remote controller devices, and also
utilizing a touch screen monitor including various user operating
gauges to monitor the vehicle during manual and autonomous driving
process via telecommunication network systems.
SUMMARY
[0006] Accordingly the present application discloses embodiments
that relate to methods for an improved autonomous vehicle seating
system comprising smart methodologies to accommodate a driver and
passengers. The seating system comprises a repositioning and
adjustable driver seating unit for interactive use and to assists
the vehicle driver when operating a vehicle in either autonomous
drive mode or manual drive modes which include processor systems
comprising: input and output protocol data to assess the status of
the vehicle's environment, and sense a driver while sitting in a
seating unit system. The seat unit accommodating passengers to
include at least one adjustable arm supporting one dash panel
containing a control console device comprising user input and
output devices; a touch screen monitor including various user
operating gauges, a power control system, a device charging port,
and USB power ports with cable and for wireless connections, and
utilizing a cell phone system with voice control to monitor and
navigate the vehicle during autonomous driving process, and a radio
and telecommunication network system and other remote control
devices, the vehicle components and seating system assemblies are
fabricated in a preferred method.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary autonomous vehicle with
reconfigurable seating system.
[0008] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary autonomous vehicle seating
unit.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary system that may be
used in a vehicle type 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates one exemplary user seat unit 13 framed
panel 7 containing an airbag 12.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary seating system console array
including various input and output devices.
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrating a reachable panel 7 actions on the
seat's right arm.
[0013] FIG. 6 is illustrating a reachable panel 7 and an adjustable
motion via arrows to accommodate positioning near the drivers
steering wheel.
[0014] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary reclining seat
unit facing to the rear cab compartment when in a drive mode.
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary passenger compartment of an
autonomous sedan with reconfigurable seat system is also comprising
a rail system for repositioning the driver smart seat inside the
autonomous vehicle cab compartment.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a diagram of an autonomous reconfigurable seating
system used in the vehicle.
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary representation of an
autonomous van with repositioning seating units.
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary representation of a
multi-passenger vehicle with repositioning seating units.
[0019] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary representation of a compact
two seater vehicle with repositioning seating units.
[0020] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary representation of a truck
for semi hauling or for recreation vehicle with reconfigurable seat
system is also comprising a fifth wheel to connect a trailer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] An exemplary autonomous vehicle includes a passenger
compartment and at least one seat located in the passenger
compartment. The seat can be moved from a front-facing position to
a rear-facing position when the vehicle is stationary or while the
vehicle is operating in an autonomous drive mode. In some
implementations, the seat with a bottom portion and a back portion
may recline. The seating unit may be configured to move from a
front-facing position, to a center position, diagonal or traverse
positions and rear-facing position by rotation. Moreover, the
seating unit comprises the instrument panel (7) in certain
implementations which pivots and detaches off the seat unit arm and
other improvement features that are described further below.
[0022] Hereinafter it is understood that the term "vehicle 1" or
"mode of transportation type" or other similar term as used herein
is inclusive of motor vehicles in general such are autonomous
driven and manually driven having a frame 2 and chassis with body 3
suited for any vehicle type (e.g., vehicle's as users and passenger
automobiles including taxi, trip hired, military utility vehicles
(MUV), vans, buses, trucks, semi-trucks and various commercial
vehicles with container trailers, rail cars, hyperloop and high
speed vacuum transit systems, watercraft including a variety of
boats and ships, aircraft, blimps, outer space stations and the
like), which may include; hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles,
combustion, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, robotic omniwheel
driven, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel cell
vehicles (e.g. fuels derived from resources other than petroleum,
renewable energy powered vehicles solar, wind and the like) to
power the drive system 4. The vehicle body 3 may utilize a door
mechanism (6) either hinged, sliding or batwing like as illustrated
in FIGS. 1, 8, and 10-13.
[0023] The vehicle type maybe not be an autonomous driving vehicle,
however the present disclosure is an autonomous vehicle 1 including
a variety of autonomous and manual drive communication devices and
comprising various autonomous driving computer system (ADCS 200)
utilizing input and output devices which are transmitting data to
various processors within the vehicle navigational control system
comprising: a method including the vehicle navigation system to
include a manual drive control steering wheel used as an input
device and thus the steering wheel device is situated on the
vehicle dash panel transforming physical functionality of manual
drive control (e.g., as shown by arrows in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 6); a
method including a drive logic navigation control system comprising
an ON/OFF switch allowing the autonomous drive mode of navigation
control to change to the manual drive mode of navigation control; a
manual drive mode authorizing vehicle driver 24 to drive when a
mishap issue develops automatic drive logic seating unit navigation
system to sense position of the driver seated inside the cab
compartment 5.
[0024] The vehicle cab compartment 5 where passengers 30 may sit
while the vehicle 1 driver 29 is operating the vehicle. In
addition, the cab compartment 5 comprising controls that only allow
a driver 29 to control the operation of the vehicle 1. Examples of
controls may include a steering wheel 20, an accelerator pedal 21,
a brake pedal 22, etc. Although illustrated as a sedan, the vehicle
1 may include any passenger or a commercial vehicle type as
discussed above.
[0025] Although an exemplary vehicle embodiment is described as
using a plurality of sensor units (207) are to perform the
exemplary ADCS 200 process, it is understood that one or plurality
of systems are to perform one or more processes and method of
control will be described in details with reference to the drawings
and assigned the same reference numbers which are described in the
following paragraphs.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1A the autonomous vehicle 1 comprising a
plurality of systems are to perform one or more processes and
method of control is comprising various processes to navigate a
vehicle manually process steps in any order the process may include
in any order: a seating system (exampled in FIGS. 3-5) with an
expanded set of user input and output device options including a
fully-programmable touch screen with control menus and icons
configured to control any function within the vehicle (e.g.,
seating unit navigation system, radio, video, climate control,
connected mobile device, etc.). The vehicle 1 is comprising an
automatic drive logic system to sense position of the driver 29
when seated in driver seat unit (13D) and to sense position of the
passenger 30 when seated in passenger seat unit (13P).
[0027] As exampled in FIGS. 1A and 1B an autonomous vehicle 1 may
take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternate
components and facilities. While an exemplary vehicle is shown, the
exemplary components illustrated are not intended to be limiting.
Indeed, additional or alternative components and/or implementations
may be used. Moreover, the components shown in the FIGS. are not
necessarily drawn to scale.
[0028] In one embodiment, the vehicle type 1 utilizing an
autonomous vehicle driving system 200 to plot a course accordingly.
A vehicle driver when seated 13D is to manage the vehicle by
selecting input control devices 209 for navigating the vehicle in
the autonomous drive mode 201 and also in the manual drive mode 202
executed by drive logic control system 203 assessing algorithms,
and also using optical sensor clustering algorithms, programs,
software and the processor as described further in FIG. 2 and also,
shown in FIG. 1A, the autonomous vehicle 1 is to include a smart
seating system 23-28 situated inside the vehicle cab compartment 5
thus accommodating a plurality of seating units 13 for users 29/30
the main seating unit for the driver 29 (13D) comprises a
navigation dash control panel 7 comprising thereon various
navigation control console device components 8.
[0029] The seating unit for the driver 29 is situated on the
driver's side as shown of vehicle e.g., depending on the country
region either right or left side and always facing forward inside
the vehicle cab. The vehicle and seating system as illustrated is a
van or sedan type which accommodates multi passenger 30 seating
units (13P1, 13P2, and 13P3, etc.).
[0030] Also shown in FIG. 1A, the vehicle drivers 29 seating unit
13D is able to control manual driving with an array of input
driving devices including a steering wheel 20, toggle or joystick
device 19, a brake pedal 22, and accelerator pedal 21 in
accordance, one embodiment, the vehicle type 1 utilizing an
autonomous vehicle driving system 200 to plot a course accordingly
as vehicle driver is seated 13D and to ultimately operate the
vehicle by selecting input driving control devices 209 for
navigating the vehicle in the autonomous drive mode 101 and also in
the manual drive mode 202 executed by output devices such as a
drive logic control system 203 with assessing algorithms, and also
optical sensor clustering algorithms 207, programs/software 213 and
the processor 211 e.g. described further in FIG. 2.
[0031] In one aspect, the autonomous vehicle 1 is to include a
smart seating system 13 comprising a plurality of seating units the
main seat for the driver 29 and 13D comprises a navigation dash
control panel 7, and also including various driving console
components 8 situated on the driver side facing forward inside the
vehicle cab. The vehicle seating system as illustrated also
accommodates passengers 13P1, 13P2, and 13P3 with their own console
device 8 described further in FIG. 1B.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1B the driver seating unit 13D communicates
data and receives data from various processors within the
autonomous driving computing system 200 comprising input control
devices for the manual driving procedure. The driver 29 is to
utilize a seating system (23) for the manual driving operations
whereby the seating system 23 assist the driver as seated to select
a dashboard panel 7 situated in front to easily reach. The
dashboard containing manual driving components is including a
steering wheel 20 to control the autonomous vehicle steering when
in manual drive mode 202 or using a detachable hand controlled
console device comprising a monitor with touch screen and display
controller buttons, toggles and gauges (8) for the procedure.
[0033] The panel 7 contains user components in a preferred way
various user components are input devices such as a lap top
computer with touch pad and monitor 7, a smart cell phone 9, a hand
held controller device 10, and for user protection the panel may
include a built in air bag device 12.
[0034] The panel 7 may comprise a toggle 19 working like a joystick
to accelerate and brake to drive the vehicle differently than a
steering wheel method, the driver 28 most like will use a
conventional steering wheel 20 method to drive the vehicle using
corresponding accelerator pedal 21 and brake pedal 22 devices.
[0035] The control console device 8 touchscreen may be configured
by the processor to execute various control functions, and may
include one or more wireless control elements in addition to or
instead of those shown for example, the control console may include
additional user controller components or system forms to pilot the
vehicle from the driver seat unit 13D by various control signals to
include: a microphone configured to receive audio (e.g., voice
command or input). The autonomous vehicle system is comprising one
or more driver input and output devices for operating an autonomous
vehicle temporarily in manual drive mode 202 and for operating an
autonomous vehicle in autonomous drive mode 201. The steps required
to drive the vehicle are corresponding to controlling of the drive
logic mode 203 and various vehicle system procedures which are
described further below.
[0036] As exampled in FIGS. 1A and 1n FIG. 8 the autonomous
vehicle's cab compartment 5 comprises at least one vehicle seat
unit 13 or an array of seat units which can be grouped to face the
same direction or face each other or oppose each other, when in
either the forward operating position or the facing to the rear, as
shown the passenger seating unit 13P1 is facing to the rear (e.g.,
shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B the vehicle seat unit 13 or an array of
seat units can be grouped to face the same direction or face each
other or oppose each other) via seating methods 23, 24, 25, 26, 27
and 28.
[0037] In one aspect, the driver 29 is alerted to prepare to take
over if a problem is determined, the seat automatically turns
slowly, and accordingly the seating system motor 16 rotates the
seat repositioning automatically to face forward. The seating
system motor 16 is coupled to the compartment 5 floor subsystem
referring to FIG. 3. The seating system 23 seating unit 13 can be
arranged to glide vertically about on a rail 17 system which may be
lateral or circular. An array of multiple seating units they can be
situated to set side by side, front to back, and according each
seat unit is to inner-connect and communicate in group series via
USB and cable lines 18 within electrical system (not shown) that is
manage by a power control system 208 (e.g., described further in
autonomous driving computing system 200 or the ADCS process
200).
[0038] As shown, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the logical
autonomous driving computing system 200 discussed herein may
include variations and entities an autonomous driving computing
system incorporated into the vehicle type. The autonomous driving
computing system 200 (ADCS) is capable of communicating with
various input and output device and I/O components to maneuver the
vehicle autonomously system, accordingly the ADCS process includes
wherein, the autonomous drive mode 201, the manual drive mode 201
and the drive logic mode 203, and a navigation mode 204, and
include various input devices 205, output devices 206, perception
sensor system 207, trajectory device system 208, telecommunication
system 209, main CPU computer system 210, processors 211, memory
and data storage, software and programs 213, networking devices
214, and the seating unit's main computer control system 215
including one or more microprocessors, accordingly the input and
output protocol data to assess; the status of the vehicle's
environment, the vehicle, and systems of the vehicle, and sense a
driver while sitting in a seating unit system.
[0039] In one embodiment, the seating control systems 23-28 utilize
a wireless communication network system 214 which may be any system
configured to be wirelessly coupled to one or more other
automobiles, sensors, in general may be arranged to communicate
according to one or more other types of wireless communication
(e.g., protocols) such as Bluetooth, communication protocols
described in IEEE 802.11 (including any IEEE 802.11 revisions),
cellular technology (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EV-DO, WiMAX, or
LTE), Zigbee, dedicated short range communications (DSRC), and
radio frequency identification (RFID) communications, among other
possibilities. The network devices 217-219 for a wireless
communication system as exampled as a IPAD 217, a cell phone 218,
and a remote controller device 219, or the like may take other
forms as well.
[0040] In one embodiment, the power control system 208 comprising
methodologies for the seating control system to charge user
devices, charging system to comprise at least one charging USB
charging port (11) to plug in user device to charge battery, to
include a charging port comprising: a profile sensor configured to
detect information relating to the identity of power-consuming
device to which the charging device is connected; at least one USB
charging port (11) is configured to receive an identity protocol
for connectivity of the charging device plugged into a port
situated the control console device, and the USB charging port
device is configured to receive an identity of the power-consuming
device via a USB power cable connection, charging device is
comprising a main power adaptor or a AC-DC.
[0041] As shown, FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of a seating system
23 comprising seating unit 13 for repositioning motion. The seating
unit 13 may comprise one arm or have a set of two supporting arms,
as shown the right arm 14 indirectly accommodates the panel 7
situated relative to the mounting arm joint (e.g. shown by arrows)
for an adjustment process. The arm can be pivoted and spun to
adjust position, the arm section connecting to the seats back
section is having jointed axis angle for horizontal orientation
basically flipping the arm up so that the user can get in the seat
easier, as well so that the panel 7 can raise up and down to adjust
to the height of the users lap.
[0042] In one embodiment the floorboard device 5 comprises a motor
device 16 and power cable 18, the cab compartment 5 floorboard
comprising the repositioning seating system 23 is including a rail
system 17 and control system contained beneath to reposition
seating groups. The seating unit is to move in a desired position
and may be supported for repositioning, accordingly the rail system
is comprising a rail device 17 assembly method which allows
preferred orientation seating positioning, accordingly the rail
device 17 is situated underneath the seat in a preferred
arrangement to thusly reposition seat via a powered seat motor 16.
The seating may be manually moved back and forth on a rail device
surface as illustrated in FIG. 10 to allow access into the vehicle
through the door mechanism 6.
[0043] As shown, FIG. 4 is a top view of an exemplary diagram of a
seating system 24, the seating method is comprising seat unit 13
including various control device components allowing a vehicle
operator (e.g., driver 29) to navigate in manual drive mode and/or
when not autonomous drive mode. The seat control panel peripherals
may additionally or alternatively include components other than
those shown in the embodiments exampled on the control console
device 8 that is including a main CPU computer device 210 and may
work in combination with other vehicle control systems.
[0044] A user 29/30 employs the seat unit's 13 control console
devices placed in/on the frame of the panel 7 is coupled to a seat
arm 14, with a level device 15. The panel 7 works like a dash to
contain a component in a preferred way and is fabricated by a
manufacturer and may include various user input devices such as; a
lap top computer with touch pad and monitor 8, a smart cell phone
9, a hand held controller device 10, a USB power port with a
charger 11, the port is connected by USB power plug and power cable
18. [0045] The seating control system devices include the panel 7
containing thereon console components which connect to USB ports.
the user can set a device on the frame 7 to charge can charge user,
other gadgets attached to the console via USB power ports 11 for
charging process via charging system to comprise at least one
charging USB charging port to plug in user device's battery, and to
include a charging port system wherein (not shown) comprising a
profile sensor configured to detect information relating to the
identity of power-consuming device is connected. [0046] The seat
unit 13 may be assigned a user/passenger to attach and plug in
their cell phone device 9 in their own console device as described
in FIG. 1A. Another example, returning to FIG. 2, the seat unit 13
may include various communication network configurations 214.
[0047] The seat unit for user protection is to comprise a safety
feature to include a built in air bag device 12 with I/O sensors
205 and 206. [0048] The panel may comprise a toggle or a joystick
19 to accelerate and brake to drive the vehicle. [0049] The driver
29 can also use a conventional steering wheel 20 method to drive
the vehicle using corresponding accelerator pedal 21 and brake
pedal 22 devices. [0050] A seat unit 13 may be configured only to
accept input and output audio command signals from the driver and
no other and thus allowing only the driver access to control the
vehicle. [0051] The seat unit 13 may comprise a motor device 15 and
power cable 18, to rotate via preprogramed system 213 seating
system suited for individual passenger 30 settings with data memory
212. [0052] The driver's seating method employs autonomous control
modes to engage a motor's controller to automatically reposition
the drivers seating unit 13D (on point) to reset the seating unit
position at forward heading.
[0053] In one embodiment, a user 29/30 input device can be laptop
or an IPad device 8 when connected onto the panel's frame 7 can be
supported while being charge and when disconnect the lap top/Wad
device 8 to work as a navigation control device which includes
various steering nobs, throttle buttons and monitor to control the
vehicle operating like a remote controlled robotic vehicle, or like
an unmanned mobile vehicle (UMV), or UAV, or a drone.
[0054] In one embodiment, the smart cell phone device 9 when
connected onto the panel's frame can be supported while being
charge and when disconnect the smart cell phone device 9 works as a
navigation control device which includes various steering nobs,
throttle buttons and monitor to control the vehicle operating as an
example like methods controlling a UMV, or UAV, or a drone.
[0055] In one embodiment, the remote controller device 10 when
connected onto the panel's frame can be supported while being
charge and when disconnect the remote controller device 10 works as
a navigation control device which includes various steering nobs,
throttle buttons and monitor to control the vehicle operating like
a UMV/UAV/drone.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, a system method 25 for the arm
apparatus, the method comprising at least one adjusting lever
device (15), the level allowing the user 29/30 to adjust the angle
of the panel and to extend the panel outward and retract the panel
inward and remove the panel from the arm end. The seat unit 13
coupled to the arm apparatus is comprising a positioning angle to
move the arm apparatus up and down thusly to a height above and
across users lap.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 6, a system method 26 for the a driver 29
employs the panel 7 with an adjustable range of motion in forward
and backward e.g., detailed by arrows to accommodate positioning
near the drivers steering wheel 20. The seat unit coupled to the
arm apparatus is comprising at least one positioning angle to move
the arm apparatus up and down and to height of the panel over users
lap. Whereby a user 29/30 employs the panel 7 with an adjustable
range of motion in forward to be center with the steering wheel but
not touch the wheel so that the wheel can be free to rotate when
driver steers vehicle, and also can access the control console
device right in front the steering wheel.
[0058] The driver seating control system 26 is further comprising a
manual drive mode, thus accordingly authorizing a vehicle
user/driver 25 to employ the drive logic control system 203 (e.g.,
autonomous vehicle drive system 200) to plot a course accordingly
by using an array of various vehicle control system devices, as
well, an automatic drive logic control system to autonomously
activate an occupied seat to gradually accelerate into forward
position when a problem develops.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 7A, the seating control system 27, the
seating unit 13 rotating to reverse or a rear position. The seat is
to face toward the rear on the vehicle compartment 5 to group with
the seating units for the passengers 30, and as shown in FIG. 8. A
control method for reclining the seating unit 13 to relax when in
autonomous drive mode.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 7B the seating control system 28 whereby a
user such the driver 29 employs a seat unit 13, the rotating to
reverse or a rear position and also reclining backward to relax
(e.g., the user held in by a 3 point seat belt is not shown). The
seat will alarm and slowly raises when a problem is detected the
method for this action is not shown.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 8 accordingly, as an example when the
autonomous drive mode of the vehicle is dynamically in control and
is configured to sense a position of a driver 29 and is configured
to switch the control of corresponding positions of the driver 29
to move in different positions, thusly corresponding sensor data of
the automatic driving control system thereby continuing to sense
the position of the driver seat or passenger 30 seating unit
13P.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 9 a schematic diagram for an autonomous
reconfigurable seating system used in the vehicle, the autonomous
vehicle process steps comprising: Select Autonomous Vehicle Drive
Logic Control System to Plot Course; Process Automatically Correct
Vehicle Course Sense Potential Problem; Autonomous Drive Mode
ON/OFF Switch to Manual Drive Mode; Repositioning Smart Seat for
Manual Control of Vehicle Operation; Manually Control Navigation
Operations with Driver Control Devices; Manually Controlling
Vehicle Operations with Control Console Devices; Set Smart Seat to
a Fixed Forward Position during Manual Drive Mode; Determine
Automatic Drive Logic Process; Switch to Autonomous Drive Mode;
Continue Manual Drive Mode (Yes, No); Reset Smart Seat to
Reposition to forward direction position, and User Employing
Control Console I/O Devices (e.g., steps 200-219 to navigate
vehicle manually).
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 10-13, the autonomous control system for a
vehicle type 1, the vehicle examples are shown as multiple
passenger vehicles, thereby the vehicle operates according via the
automatic drive logic control system of FIG. 2 and FIG. 9 are
comprising autonomous and manual drive modes of operation which
communicate data and receive input and output data from various
processors within the vehicle navigational control system, the
system to include various navigational scanning devices and
tracking devices; lidar, radar and GPS and the like are configured
to determine a driving path logically for an autonomous vehicle to
drive through.
[0064] In various aspects, the vehicles a frame and chassis make
suiting a user: [0065] FIG. 10 is a van depicting the seating for
the driver 13D, the seat is shown in motion to reposition; [0066]
FIG. 11 is a representation for vehicle compartment which suits a
multi-passenger vehicle; [0067] FIG. 12 is a compact vehicle shown
with a rotating seat array, and [0068] FIG. 13 illustrates a truck
for semi hauling or for a recreation vehicle with reconfigurable
seat system is also comprising a fifth wheel device to connect to a
trailer.
[0069] In one embodiment, the vehicle cab compartment floorboard to
support a seat array and a seat frame comprising various seat
assemblies including preferred chair parts, materials, motorized
actuators and the like.
[0070] As an example, FIGS. 1, 8, and FIGS. 10-12 various position
information data is collected and processed and stored to determine
both the driver 25 position and compared with the vehicle direction
heading and is visually displayed on the control panel monitor thus
to steer on point.
[0071] The vehicle cab compartment includes the vehicle door
devices 6 which is either a common hinged door, a sliding door
common on vans and is located on the vehicle body 3 to access the
cab compartment, or the door maybe a batwing type to open
upwardly.
[0072] A vehicle cab may comprise an expanded set of user input
options is including a fully-programmable touch screen with control
menus and icons, which may be configured to control any function
within the vehicle (e.g., navigation system, radio, video, climate
control, connected mobile device, etc.) and drive logic (e.g.,
autonomous mode to the manual mode of operation CPU computer
system).
[0073] A telecommunication 209 system and user 25/26 devices such
as a smart cell phone network 214 to transmit and present
information to a user 25/26, to display of the control console
device 8/215 which is including short range communication protocols
such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, the Internet, World Wide Web,
intranets, virtual private networks 214, wide area networks, local
networks, private networks using communication protocols
proprietary to one or more companies, Ethernet, WiFi and HTTP, and
various combinations of the foregoing. Such communication may be
facilitated by any device capable of transmitting data 212 to and
from other computing devices via cell phone 9/216 and radio signals
(not shown). The cell phone server may use network 214 to transmit
and present information to a user, such as user network 214.
[0074] The (smart) cell phone 9 embodiment of the present
technology, utilizing MEMS and gyroscope schemes, MEMS
accelerations of the smart cell phone 9 may be measured for six
degrees-of-freedom by using a number of accelerometers, wherein
three accelerations may be measured corresponding to the x, y, and
z-axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, and wherein three
additional accelerations may be measured corresponding to pitch,
roll, and rotation of the vehicle (vehicle driving methodology not
shown).
[0075] In one embodiment, the vehicle seat unit 13 works as a
personal computing device including a one or more processors 211
(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), memory (e.g., RAM and
internal hard drives) storing data 212 and instructions, a display
such as the display control console device 8 (e.g., a monitor
having a screen, a touch-screen, a projector, a television, or
other device that is operable to display information), and user
input devices 205, (e.g., a mouse, keyboard, touch-screen or
microphone). The user's computing devices may also include a camera
for recording video streams, speakers, a network interface device
213 with cable and USB components 18 used for connecting these
elements to one another.
[0076] It will also be understood that the provision of the
examples described herein (as well as clauses phrased as "such as,"
"e.g.", "including" and the like). As these and other variations
and combinations of the features discussed above can be utilized
without departing from the subject matter as defined by the
claims.
[0077] The specifications discuss in general terms the principal
concept for the vehicle assemblies, programs and software and
cellular phone control applications, navigation controls and
device's also electronic and mechanical components for the chassis
and cab compartment contents which may be purchased from the
manufacturer.
[0078] The various embodiments specified seating system contents
are describe in generic terms and are not technologically precise
and thusly as claimed remains within accordance and it is apparent
to those skilled in the art that many more entailed nuances are
possible within the scope of the invention.
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